Abstract
Onion (Allium cepa) production is a major agricultural activity in Sokoto State, Nigeria, contributing significantly to farmers’ income and household food security. The study assessed farmers’ perceptions, growth performance, and economic viability of the Dan-Malaysia onion variety compared with conventional local varieties across Wamakko, Gidan Madi, and Gada. Using a qualitative descriptive survey design, 375 farmers were selected through stratified and convenience sampling. Data were collected via structured interviews focusing on varietal adoption, reasons for preference, seed sources, agronomic performance, and adoption constraints. Findings indicate that conventional varieties remain dominant, cultivated exclusively by 60.5% of respondents, while 15.2% adopted Dan-Malaysia only and 23.7% cultivated both. Early maturity (42.9%) and lower production cost (24.3%) motivated farmers to choose Dan-Malaysia, whereas conventional varieties were preferred for familiar management (40%), tradition/local seed use (24%), and larger bulb size (20.8%). Seed sourcing was largely informal, with 49.6% relying on own-saved seeds and 33.9% on local markets, while certified dealers and extension services played a limited role. Agronomic comparisons showed conventional onions achieved taller plants, larger bulbs, higher yield (26,000-29,000 kg/ha), and shorter crop duration (3 months), whereas Dan-Malaysia produced medium bulbs, lower yield (21,000-23,000 kg/ha), and matured over 4-5 months. Key constraints to Dan-Malaysia adoption included limited quality seeds (34.7%), low awareness (29.1%), market preference (22.4%), and fear of small bulb size (13.8%). The study concluded that while Dan-Malaysia offers early maturity and cost advantages, adoption is hindered by structural, informational, and market factors. Improving seed availability, farmer awareness, and extension support were recommended to enhance adoption of improved onion varieties and sustain productivity.
2026-03-03
Vol. 2 Issue No. 1 December 2025
Articles
Onion, Dan-Malaysia, conventional, farmer, Sokoto
Vol. 2 Issue No. 1 December 2025
/ ArticleCOMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE, ECONOMIC VIABILITY, AND FARMERS PERCEPTION OF DAN-MALAYSIA AND CONVENTIONAL ONION SEED VARIETIES IN SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA
AUSA, A.S
Department of Biology, Federal College of Education Gidan Madi, Sokoto, Nigeria
abubakarshehuausa@gmail.com
MAGAMI, I.M
Department of Biology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
UMAR, A
Department of Agricultural Science, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Nigeria
MANI, S
Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education Gidan Madi, Sokoto, Nigeria